August 2013
Special Issue: Deaflympics
r e t t e l s w e E-N Irish Men’s Football Team Rank 6th
Our Mission: To develop the social and community benefits of Deaf/Hard of Hearing participation at grassroots, club, national levels and potential athletes to take part in competitions at a competitive level. __________________ Opening hours: Mon to Thurs: 9am to 5.30pm Friday: 9am to 4pm __________________ Executive Committee: President: Kevin Lynch V-President: Gerald Dunne Secretary: Eoin Nolan Treasurer: Donal Desmond Connacht: Ann O’Neill Munster: John Heenan Leinster: Kevin Stanley Ulster: Michael Johnston
Inside this issue:
Badminton Players Fight Hard in Tough Draw
President’s Message 2 Paul Ryder’s Message 2 Chef De Mission Message 3 ‘Sport Changing Lives’ 3 Team Ireland 4 Team Announcement 5 Team Ireland Depart 6 Opening Ceremony 7 Irish Badminton Doubles 8 Irish Badminton Singles 8 Irish Badminton Singles 9 Irish Badminton Singles 10 Irish Men’s Football 11 Irish Men’s Football 12 Irish Men’s Football 13 Closing Ceremony 14 Team Ireland Return 15 Visiting Irish Embassy 16 New ICSD President 16 Our Sponsors 17 Team Ireland Supporters 18
President’s Message The 22nd Sofia Deaflympics has come and gone and it left us with an impression in how to compare it with the 2009 Taipei Deaflympics, which was far more superior in organisation. However we are forever grateful to the Bulgarian Deaf Federation for offering to host the competition at such short notice. It was organised within eight months. They pointed out that we could have seen it cancelled after Athens and Budapest dropped out at the last minute and it is better to see it being held at all, even with much lower standards. It was Bulgaria’s 2nd time to host the Deaflympics – the first was in 1993 – exactly 20 years ago. Ireland sent a party of 26 athletes – 20 football and 3 badminton players as well as management teams. The Irish football team performed exceptionally well and they did amaze us by being able to play under such a very hot, humid climate – varying between 35-40 degrees. They defeated Nigeria and Japan easily but had a tough match against Russia, the European and now World champions, ending with a draw 0-0. We were unfortunate to have lost to Egypt in a gruelling and hard match ending with score of 4-3 to Egypt, after extra time in the quarter-final round. Then we defeated Turkey, who were previously the World champions by 2-0. We ended up finishing 6th, after losing to Iran – 2-0. We congratulate the Irish football management for their sheer dedication and skill in getting the team to the highest world standard and continuing their growth and importance in the world football competition. The Irish badminton team was drawn in a difficult draw and they did amazingly well against top players from Asian areas. It is said that it is far more important to participate than to win a medal as our athletes have done and they were honoured to represent their own country at the Deaflympics. Ireland can be extremely proud of their efforts. The players gave everything for the cause but it was not destined to be. Well done to all. Russia topped the medal table with a massive total of 117 medals – 67 gold, 52 silver & 58 bronze. Ukraine was second, with 88 medals (21 gold). Korea was 3rd with 42 medals (19 gold). USA got only 29 medals (9 gold). Russia sent a huge party of about 500 athletes and officials so you can see how they were able to grab so much by participating in every event for maximum domination. Most countries in West Europe fared very poorly- such as Germany (14 medals), GB (5 medals but no gold). Those without any medals were Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Finland, Spain, Ireland, & Canada. Australia got only one gold, one silver and one bronze. USA used to dominate the medal table but not now came out 6 th with 29 medals (9 gold), (8 silver) & (12 bronze). Donal Desmond and I, as the Irish delegates, attended the three day ICSD Congress with representation from over 70 country-members. It was a long day each time and we found the debates extremely interesting and businesslike even when all in international sign language. We were surprised to see our Irish ISL Interpreter Catherine White signing on the TV screen, who was impeccable in International signs. She worked with ICSD President and Board as their interpreter during the Deaflympics. We were so proud of her indeed. She is now famous all over the world. The delegates were stunned when President Craig Crowley was defeated by Russian Valery Kukhledev for the presidency by 39 to 33 votes on a second ballot as Mr. Crowley was the favourite for the post. It was Valery’s third attempt for the post. It will be interesting to see how he will shape the future for ICSD as he opposed all plans by Craig such as strategic plans and memorandum of Understanding. Thanks are due to our Irish officials, Donal Desmond, Paul Ryder, Lorelei Fox-Roberts, Sean Herlihy, Thomas Coyle, Geoffrey Foy, Reggie Dornan, Johnny Acheson & Mark Topping for their wonderful co-operation and support during the two weeks in Sofia. Also to all the Irish athletes. Not forgetting our best supporter, Amanda Dunne who was so helpful to us with dealings in the hotel. Thank you. It was a pleasure to work with them all and they were a great credit to Ireland and to DSI.
Administrator/Sport Development Officer
P aul Ry der ’ s rep or t
Hello.. Where does the time go? It was a crazy busy few months since the beginning of 2013. With preparation for the Deaflympics, which was the toughest job I have ever done. The preparations were much easier in 2009, at Taipei, because they prepared in 4 years but I am thankful to the Bulgarians for organising the Deaflympics within 8-10 months, to make Deaf athletes dreams come true. I want to congratulate the Football & Badminton teams for their achievements and they certainly made Irish people proud. I want to congratulate the Football & Badminton teams for their achievements and they certainly made Irish people proud. I have witnessed that they have trained very hard and gave a lot of their time for their preparation. I want to give special thanks to the Badminton & Football management for all the hard work they did and for raising Irish athletes’ standards. During my spare time, I took the opportunity to witness the Swimming, Athletics and Olympics handball events. I can see the standards have risen since 2009. I also met a lot of old/new friends from different countries and we discussed how the Deaflympics can be improved, especially from a media point of view. Over the next coming weeks, DSI will do an evaluation of the preparation, team’s performance from the recent Deaflympics and develop a new 4 year plan for the next Deaflympics, in Turkey, in 2017. Lastly, I want to say thanks for all of our sponsorships & for further investment from the Irish Sports Council to help ease our financial strains for the Deaflympics. Page 2
Chef De Mission
S ean H er l i h y ’ s re po rt
I was honoured to be Team Ireland’s Chef de Mission for the 22nd Sofia Deaflympics Games and it was a fantastic experience. As for Sofia itself, the city holds successful and exhilarating Games, even though they had only a few months to prepare. For the hundreds of athletes striving for gold at this year’s 22nd Sofia Summer Deaflympics Games, unfortunately Men’s Football and Badminton had no medals, but all of our athletes did make us proud. It was a fantastic experience for everyone during the Games and you can imagine that you live in the village with people for two weeks, some of them you’ve never met before in your life, and you just grow to have them as part of your family. There were 23 Irish athletes and most of them have learned something that will bring them back better, stronger, fitter and faster for whatever is next time around. It’s all credit to the coaches: Mark Topping, Thomas Coyle, Geoffrey Foy, Reggie Dornan and Jamie Wilson. They have got a great team around them here and also in the background that support the team. I think a lot of other sports can learn from that. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our athletes on their performance during the Games and we know that they did IRELAND proud and also would like to pay tribute to the amazing Irish supporters, both at home and in Sofia/Pravets.
‘Sport Changing Lives’ Documentary Kelt-Tek AV Productions approached DSI earlier this year, expressing an interest in including Team Ireland, some of the Deaflympics tournaments and training in their upcoming documentary: ‘Sport Changing Lives’, which will be aired on Setanta Sports later this year.
At Team Announcement
Filming at Opening Ceremony Martin and Neil filmed multiple events, both in Ireland and Bulgaria and everyone at DSI is looking forward to watching the finished documentary.
Filming in Pravets
This was a great opportunity for all involved as inclusion in the documentary will help raise awareness of Deaf sports in Ireland and of the achievements of Team Ireland’s athletes, while Martin and Neil from Kelt-Tek AV Productions had the opportunity to experience the Deaflympics and first hand and get to know the athletes.
Neil interviews a rep from sponsors Paul W Tracey Solicitors Martin and Neil were a pleasure to work with and DSI would like to thank them for all of their hard work throughout the Deaflympic Summer Page 3
Team Ireland Team Ireland was represented in badminton by three players: Aidan Connor, Johnny Corcoran and Shane Keogh. All three played in the singles tournament. Johnny Corcoran and Shane Keogh also competed in the Doubles.
Also pictured here are badminton Coach Mark Toping and badminton Technical Director Ivan Gryzlov They are joined by DSI President Kevin Lynch and DSI Treasurer Donal Desmond
Irish Badminton: Top row (left to right) Coach Mark Topping, President Kevin Lynch, Donal Desmond, Ivan Gryzlov, Chef De Mission Sean Herlihy. Bottom row (left to right): Shane Keogh, Aidan
Team Ireland Badminton
Team Ireland’s Men’s Football squad consisted of 20 players: Andrew Wynne, Barry Campbell, Brian Babb, Darren Dunne, Eamon Byrne, Eoin Burns, Jason Maguire, Jonathon Cosgrove, Joseph Watson, Mark Sinclair, Michael Walsh, Noel O’Donnell, Patrick Maher, Robert McAra, Richard Dougherty, Roy Keating, Roy McKee, Sean Young, Stephen Millar and Stuart Foy. Also with the football team were: Manager Thomas Coyle, assistant Manager Geoffrey Foy, Coaches Jamie Wilson and Reggie Dornan, Physio Jonathon Acheson and Football Liaison Rino Giglione.
Team Ireland’s Football Team Joined by Chef De Mission Sean Herlihy (bottom left), Sports development Officer Paul Ryder (bottom right), DSI Treasurer Donal Desmond (second row, far left), DSI President Kevin Lynch (second row, far right) and
Team Announcement DSI President, Kevin Lynch
On Wed 17th of July at 1.30pm a Team Announcement was held in Deaf Village Ireland for Team Ireland ahead of their travel to Sofia for the 2013 Deaflympics. Minister of Transport, Sport and Tourism Michael Ring officiated the Deaflympic Team Ireland Announcement, saying that it was:
Min. Ring officiates the Team Announcement gives a speech about Team Ireland
There was a great atmosphere, with excitement building among the players. Some of Team Ireland’s athletes and management stand with Minister Ring
K. Lynch and Min. Ring
Min. Ring shakes hands of athletes: J. Maguire, P. Maher & A. Connor
Chef de Mission, Sean Herlihy gives a speech
There was a great turn out in DVI, with representatives from many Deaf organisations and sporting organisations attending, along with the Minister and Joe Costello TD. Members of Team Ireland, team officials, managers and coaches were also present. There was a good media interest, with the Irish Interpreter Michelle McNulty, Min. Ring and Kevin Lynch Examiner and DublinSouth FM sending journalists to the event, which was also filmed by Kelt-Tek AV Productions.
Journalist Sabrina from Dublin South FM interviews Kevin Lynch
Team Ireland with Sponsors Paul W Tracey Solicitors
Team Ireland with Sponsors Bridge Interpreting Sponsors Bridge Interpreting and Paul W Tracey Solicitors were also present.
Team Ireland Depart
Team Ireland’s Men’s Football players flew out to Bulgaria for the 22nd Deaflympics on Monday the 22nd of July, accompanied by Team Management
Footballers head for security
Some last minute words to the team from Paul Ryder before check in begins
The Irish Football Team depart
Team Ireland’s Badminton players left for Bulgaria on Thursday the 25th of July, with the remaining Team Management
Irish Badminton team get ready to depart
Irish Badminton team say their goodbyes at the airport
Badminton Team en route to Sofia, joined by: Chef de Mission, Sean Herlihy, Amanda Dunne, Press Officer, Lorelei Fox-Roberts and Camera man, Martin Connolly
Boarding the plane
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22nd Deaflympics Opening Ceremony The Deaflympics Opening Ceremony was held in the Arena Armeecs, Sofia at 6pm on the 26th of July. It was a visually spectacular show, with athletes from each country represented in the Summer Games parading around the arena before standing together in the centre and passing the Deaflympics torch from one to another after it was brought into the arena Team Germany
Chinese Taipei Team
(l-r) Johnny Corcoran, Aidan Connor and Shane Keogh
Team Nigeria Polish Team celebrate Athletes line up for the passing of the torch The Deaflympics flame was then ignited by the Bulgarian torch bearer, who ran up the steps to cheering from the supporters.
This was followed by speeches from Craig Crowley and the Deaflympics oath being signed for all to see by former Deaflympics Badminton champion Officials welcome athletes and supporters
The Deaflympics Flame is ignited
A spectacular visual show then followed, including traditional Bulgarian dancing, an ariel show, a Deaf group signing the Bulgarian National Anthem and gymnastics, accompanied by an orchestra and traditional drummers. The show was a feast for the eyes and built up excitement among athletes and supporters alike. Performers build excitement in the crowd Page 7
Irish Badminton Doubles
Johnny Corcoran and Shane Keogh started the day by playing a Doubles match against Hong Kong at 2.10pm.
27th July
The scores for the Doubles match were as follows: Bout 1: Hong Kong: 21; Ireland: 15
When asked about the Doubles match, Coach Mark Topping said the following: “The Guys played a very tactically strong game, but came up against strong opposition from Hong Kong, who wont be far from the Gold. The Men have come so far in the last 6 months and played to their ability.”
29th July Johnny Corcoran and Shane Keogh, played there last group doubles match Miroslav Liposkvy and Peter Vasicek. This was the deciding match in the group as to which team would progress to the knockout stages of the event. Unfortunately the match did not go the way of Shane and Johnny. The Slovakian opponents served particularly well, forcing Shane and Johnny into Given the hot conditions (the temperature in the hall was approx 30 degrees centigrade) the shuttles were quick and difficult to control from a defensive position. In the second set Johnny and Shane briefly gained control of the net to trail 12-10, but 4 quick errors from outstanding low serving from Peter Vasicek tilted the momentum strongly in favour of the Slovakian opponents. The final score in this match was 21 -9 21-14.
Singles
27th July
J. Corcoran’s Singles match against M. Etreman from the Russian Team took place at 3.30pm, leaving only a short gap between his previous Doubles match and this one. Corcoran played a strong game against the Russian, but he was an extremely tough opponent. The scores were as follows: Bout 1: Etreman: 21; Corcoran: 10
The final Singles match of the day for Team Ireland took place at 6.10pm, where S. Keogh faced Indian opponent T. Gaun.
The next match to take place was between A. scores were as Getov follows:played a Connor and L.The Getov at 4.10pm. fast and hard game against Connor, who Gaun: Keogh: pushed GetovBout until1:the end 21; of the match, where 7 Bout 2: Gaun: 21; Keogh: Getov won. 9 The scores were as follows: Bout 1: Getov: 21; Connor: 8 Bout 2: Getov: 21; Connor: 14
Irish Badminton Singles
27th July
The final Singles match of the day for Team Ireland took place at 6.10pm, where S. Keogh faced Indian opponent T. Gaun. It was a tough match but Keogh played excellently throughout. Unfortunately, Gaun took the lead. The scores were as follows: Bout 1: Gaun: 21; Keogh: 7 Bout 2: Gaun: 21; Keogh: 9
28th July Johnny Corcoran faced a strong opponant from Germ any Thorsten Gottwald. This was to decide who qualified from the group to go to the knockout stages of the event. The German player prevailed in a very tight 2 sets 21-16 21-18. This was Johnny’s best match of the tournament. He demonstrated to all how hard he has been working in training with his fitness and his much improved footwork particularly on the defensive side. Thorsten was winning the net exchanges and forcing Johnny to lift, but Johnny’s defensive play from his opponents smashes was outstanding. The relief and joy on the German opponents face when he finally closed out the match was a testament to how well played Johnny played. Johnny Corcoran is a fine ambassador for Irish Badminton as he plays with great sportsmanship
Aidan Connor played his 2nd Singles match against Turkisk opponent Kemal Ozer from Turkey. Aidan lost 21-10 21-15. Kemal ultimately went on to top this group, and demonstrated why, by very skilful “holding” net play. Aidan was unsure until the last moment where his opponent was going to play the shuttle from the net. He played mainly to the net forcing Aidan to lift from defensive positions. This was an example of a game where the superior technical player prevailed over the fitter faster player. A great lesson for younger players to develop their technique in “holding and deceptive” net play. Ireland can be very proud of Aidan Connor, as he never gave up and battled all the way with this technically strong opponent. Aidan’s high level of fitness kept him in
Shane Keogh took the court for his make or break 2nd match in the group against local opponent from Bulgaria Nikoly Tyankov. The Bulgarian Badminton fans turned out to cheer the local man on. It was also clear to see how well the Bulgarian players have prepared ,knowing the local conditions very well. Shane lost 21-6 21-10, but demonstrated his battling qualities. Shane is well known for his doubles expertise with singles his less favoured game. Ireland can be proud of his performance as he never gave up. Well done Shane. Page 9
Irish Badminton Shane Keogh took the court for his make or break 2nd match in the group against local opponent from Bulgaria Nikoly Tyankov. The Bulgarian Badminton fans turned out to cheer the local man on. It was also clear to see how well the Bulgarian players have prepared ,knowing the local conditions very well. Shane lost 21-6 21-10, but demonstrated his battling qualities. Shane is well known for his doubles expertise with singles his less favoured game. Ireland can be proud of his performance as he never gave up. Well done Shane.
29th July Aidan Connor faced Wing Hong Li from Hong Kong China in his final group match. This was a match played again in oppressive heat and it was a great credit to both players that they produced a high quality match controlling a fast shuttle with great skill. There were many absorbing long tactical rallies which tested the fitness levels of both players. In the end Aidan’s superior fitness and speed finally imposed himself on a very dogged and determined opponent. Aidan played a tactically smart game today. Aidan set about winning the net exchanges and forcing his opponent to lift. Aidan very skilfully attacked mainly hitting downward with crosscourt slices and powerful smashes interspersed with the occasional fast clear. The Hong Kong opponents defence was a strong point of his game, so Aidan had to be particularly patient in creating the final winning smash or net block to finish off each rally. The final score to Aidan in approx. 40 minutes was 21-16 14-21 21-17. Shane Keogh represented Ireland in his final group singles match against Petro Takolo of the Ukraine. The 19 year old opponent was the quicker player on the day and closed out the match 21-7 21-13. Shane fought hard in many rallies and extended his opponent for long periods particularly first half of the second set. However Shane was always just a half yard short of speed relative to his opponent and was therefore forced into many defensive positions. However Shane forced his opponent to hit that extra shot which created some errors from his opponent. Shane was 11-9 down at the halfway point in the 2nd set with a possible comeback in the offing. Unfortunately this was not to be as Petro lifted his speed around the court and placed Shane on the defensive. Shane Keogh however battled hard for every point and represented Irish Badminton with great credit.
Congratulations to all the badminton players on competing at such a high standard!
Irish Men’s Football Ireland V Nigeria
The Ireland Deaf Men’s football team opened their 2013 Deaflympics campaign in Sofia on the 25th, with a battling 4-2 Victory over Nigeria. Twin strikes each from lively attackers Brian Babb and Joe Watson proved crucial in a game which began in soaring
Nigeria threw everything at the Irish as the 2nd half commenced and defenders Richard Dougherty, Bobby McAra, Stuart Foy and Stephen Millar did well on a number of occasions to stop Nigeria from scoring. Nigeria continued to pressurise the Irish rearguard and although they did pull a consolation goal back, Ireland helped by the experience of Darren Dunne and substitute Barry Campbell saw out the game comfortably for a 4-2 Victory.
Ireland V Russia The Ireland Men’s Deaf Football Team secured a creditable 0-0 draw against European Champions Russia at the 2013 Deaflympics games in Bulgaria on the evening of the 27th of July. This was a courageous performance from the Irish lads. They withstood periods of sustained pressure but forced three good late chances themselves which could have snatched victory.
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Irish Men’s Football Ireland V Japan The Ireland Deaf men’s football team progressed into the quarter-finals of the Deaflympics games in Bulgaria after a hard fought 2-1 victory against Japan on the 29th of July. This was a spirited performance by the Irish lads in a game played in hot and humid conditions.
Ireland progressed from the group stages with 7 points from 3 games along with Russia.
Assistant Manager Geoff Foy was pleased with the win, saying: It’s a great credit to the lads to progress from a tough group and into the quarter finals. All the games will be tough from here onwards but morale within the camp is great and we believe we will do well in this competition”. The team would like to acknowledge the many messages of goodwill from Ireland supporters.
Ireland V Egypt Ireland suffered an agonising 4-3 extra-time defeat to Egypt in the Deaflympics football quarter finals in Bulgaria on Wednesday the 31st of July. The Irish lads had bravely twice fought back from 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to force extra time at 3-3 and at that stage they looked the most likely to progress to the semi-finals but it was not to be. Geoff Foy commended the players for their stirring fight-back and the passion they displayed. “We are all disappointed as the players worked so hard but football can be a cruel game at times and we experienced that again tonight when so little went our way”.
Irish Men’s Football Ireland V Turkey The Ireland Deaf Men’s football team produced a fantastic performance at the Deaflympic games in Sofia on Friday the 2nd of August to defeat 2012 World Champions Turkey 2-0 in their 5th – 8th place play-off game.
Having been so unlucky to exit the quarter finals in extra time the Irish lads could have been forgiven for feeling subdued but instead they played with true passion and commitment to record a famous victory.
Assistant Manager Geoff Foy was proud of the Irish effort. “The lads showed real character and bounced back tremendously from the unlucky quarter final defeat”.
Ireland V Iran
In their final match on Sat 3rd of August, Team Ireland lost to Iran, securing 6th place out of 16 in the Deaflympics Summer Games. The Irish footballers played an excellent game, making Iran fight for every goal. The match finished with Iran:2 ; Ireland:1
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Deaflympics Closing Ceremony The 22nd Deaflympics Closing Ceremony was a momentous and beautiful occasion. The evening began with teams walking into the arena and along the track, waving to cheering supporters before assembling in the middle of the stadium to watch the events on stage.
Team Nigeria
Team GB
Team Ireland
Team Ireland Former ICSD President Craig Crowley gave a heartwarming speech, followed by the taking down of the Deaflympics flag. The Flag was folded and carried to the stage where it was presented to Mr Crowley, before he in turn passed the Flag along to the new ICSD President Mr Valery Rukhledev.
Following the team’s arrival, one member of each team walked the circuit carrying their national flag. Aidan Connor waved the Irish flag.
Shortly afterwards, the 4 Deaflympics flames carried by athletes were extinguished and the TDs from each sport gave a short message of thanks.
Craig Crowley speaks while athletes hold Deaflympics torches
Aidan Connor carries the flag for Ireland
Right: Team management gather with athletes After this, there were Fireworks, followed by a Bulgarian drumming performance and then three female dancers
Performers bring the Ceremony to a close
Below: Naill Fearon and Kevin Lynch
Team Ireland Arrive Home Badminton Players Land in Dublin:
Shane Keogh and Ivan Gryzlov walk through Arrivals in Dublin Airport
The badminton team arrive home
Ivan Gryzlov, Johnny Corcoran and Mark Topping arrive in Dublin
Football Players Arrive Home:
Sean Young and Stuart Foy
Richard Dougherty and Stuart Foy are welcomed home
Joseph Watson is met by family
Barry Campbell, Rino Giglione and Richard Dougherty arrive home
Roy Keating is welcomed home
Meeting The Ambassador On Thursday, the 1st of August at 11am, some members of Team Ireland accompanied Chef De Mission Sean Herlihy and DSI President Kevin Lynch on their visit to the Irish Embassy in Sofia. The Irish Ambassador spoke with the Team over coffee about the 2013 Deaflympics Games and was incredibly welcoming.
Kevin Lynch presented the Irish Ambassador with a DSI crest, which he proudly accepted.
Centre of the page: Team Ireland with Irish Ambassador and Embassy Irish Ambassador Geoffrey Keating with DSI President, Kevin Lynch
New ICSD President On July 25th Russia's Valery Rukhledev was elected as the new President of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) at the election, which took place in Sofia. Rukhledev beat Britain's Craig Crowley, former ICSD President and Joel Barish in the voting.
Craig Crowley speaks at the Closing Ceremony, before extinguishing the Deaflympics flames held by athletes.
Rukhledev polled 39 votes to Crowley's 33 to become the ninth leader of the ICSD, which organises the Deaflympics and has done, since its formation in 1924. At the last election, in Taipei, four years ago Crowley had narrowly defeated Rukhledev.
It was a case of ‘third time lucky’ for Rukhledev, who had been defeated twice before, in the 2005 and 2009 ICSD presidential elections.
Crowley gives an impassioned speech.
Former ICSD President Craig Crowley, who is also the Chief Executive at Action Deafness, had held the post since 2009. Crowley has also previously worked with UK Deaf Sports, the European Disability Forum and the European Union of the Deaf.
Rukhledev is acknowledged as being one of the most-decorated athletes in the modern Deaflympics history and a well-known figure in the Russian Deaf community.
Our Kind Sponsors DSI would like to thank all of our sponsors for their generous sponsorship both in time and financially. The support of these sponsors made it possible for Team Ireland to travel to and compete in the 2013, 22nd Deaflympics Summer Games, this support is greatly appreciated!!
DSI was sponsored by many different organisations, both mainstream and from within the Deaf community.
Some companies chose to sponsors particular items. For example: Paul W Tracey Solicitors and Bridge Interpreting sponsored Team Ireland’s gear for rest periods, which were purchased through Hummel Sports, travelling and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. These were great companies to work with and hopefully the relationship between them and DSI will continue and grow stronger in the future.
DSI was also fortunate enough to have sponsors who helped with fundraising events, by providing refreshments and prizes throughout the year.
Thank You to the Supporters Tracey Treanor and Caroline McGrotty cheer on Team Ireland
Supporters at the Closing Ceremony
Supporters cheer on Ireland in their match against Egypt
DSI would like to thank Team Ireland’s amazing supporters. So many people were supporting from home as well as supporters in Sofia and Pravets. In Bulgaria, the number of supporters for the Men’s Football Team grew in size every day, including not only Irish supporters but a number of English and Scottish Deaflympics Supporters who came along to cheer on Team Ireland! The turnout of supporters to the Deaflympics Closing Ceremony was huge and it was wonderful to see so many cheers and waving hands, congratulating the athletes, as each country’s team walked out into the arena!
A bus load of supporters get ready to travel to Pravets
Supporters cheer for an Irish goal
Supporters look on hopefully during the football